Adding a shed to your backyard is a great way to provide much-needed storage for your lawn equipment and gardening tools. Once a homeowner in Delaware has decided that they want to build a shed for their property, they’ll have to choose the best place in their yard to build it. Choose a place that fits your needs while adhering to local regulations and drainage requirements. Here, we’ll help you decide on the ideal shed placement for your home to maximize space and functionality in your outdoor living space.
Local Regulations
Your local building department will have some regulations on where you can place your shed. This can include regulations on property lines, zoning laws, utility lines, and whether or not you need a permit. Contact your local building department in Delaware to get the information you need.
Property Lines
In many municipalities, your shed must be a certain distance from your home’s property lines, called a setback. The regulation is generally around 5-10 feet from property lines, but we’ve found that some Delaware counties have different rules. In New Castle County, the requirement is 3 feet from property lines, while in Kent and Sussex counties, the standard 5 feet is required. In addition to getting permission from your local municipality, you may also need to contact your HOA for property line information. Your HOA may have different requirements than your local building department.
Utility Lines 
You can’t build a shed over any utility lines, so get these marked before deciding on shed placement. Call a utility company to mark where underground pipes, cables, and power lines are for your home’s utilities. Having these marked gives you an idea of where to place your shed by telling you where it’s safe to dig. If you place your shed over utilities, it can cause issues in the future, including your municipality demolishing the building if they need access to the lines.
Find Level Ground with Good Drainage
Uneven terrain and improper drainage can cause structural issues in your shed over time. We find it best to choose a level spot on your property with good drainage. If your lawn is uneven, you’ll need to level the ground before having your shed delivered. Higher ground is more favorable, as lower ground can have a lot of water runoff. Avoid areas where water can collect to prevent the structure from rotting and rusting. Our sheds are built with pressure-treated wood that’s resistant to rot, but proper drainage will prevent moisture from pooling.
Foundations for Drainage
The best way to have good drainage for your shed is to use a good foundation. Whether it be a crushed stone pad or a concrete foundation, these will help manage water runoffs after harsh weather. Crushed stone foundations offer optimal drainage for a storage shed.
Make Sure It’s Accessible
You’ll need to have a direct, clear path to the shed for getting equipment out of it safely. Your shed should be placed close to your house for convenience and accessibility during all seasons, but far enough so the yard doesn’t look overcrowded. We recommend having a 2-to 4-foot clearance around the perimeter of the shed so you can maintain it properly. If you need a ramp, make sure you have enough room for it. For large yards, place the shed near the area you’ll be working on most, like the garden or a pool. For small yards, place it near a corner so the space looks more open.
Avoid Intense Sunlight
Make sure your shed placement suits your climate. If your shed faces the peak sunlight, it can overheat, become uncomfortable to work in, and damage items inside. There should be a balance between sun and shade. You’ll want enough sun to keep it dry and prevent moisture problems, but enough shade so it’s cool and won’t overheat. In our experience, we think it’s ideal to place the shed in an area where you get morning sunlight and afternoon shade. Facing the shed east protects it from heat.
Get a Shed with Space Makers
Getting a custom shed delivered is easy with Space Makers Sheds. Once you have chosen your desired shed, our team will deliver it to you, and we can help you determine the best shed placement for your yard. If you’re looking to buy a new shed, check out our in-stock inventory sheds ready for delivery, or design a custom one with our 3D Builder. For any questions, you can contact us today!